Consequences of Habitual Arecanut Chewing on Unstimulated Whole Mouth Salivary Flow Rate and pH

Background: Saliva is the first biological fluid that is exposed to arecanut/tobacco and is responsible for its changes especially the salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary pH. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study was to observe the effects of areca nut and various other products of areca nut on salivary flow rate and pH of saliva. Materials and Methods: A total of 74 Subjects were divided into arecanut/tobacco chewers i.e. study group (group A) and non areca nut/tobacco chewers i.e. control group (group B). Saliva of each subject was collected under resting condition and salivary flow rate was expressed in ml/min for 10 min. Salivary pH was determined using digital pH meter. Results: The difference between the mean SFR for chewers and non-chewers is statistically insignificant.(p=0.5) The difference between the mean salivary pH for chewers and non-chewers is statistically significant.(p=0.05) Conclusion: Salivary flow rate is altered in a lesser extent in Areca Nut chewers and salivary pH is altered to a greater extent in Areca Nut chewers. Thus determining oral mucosa to be vulnerable to the toxic effects of Areca Nut chewing.